American troops now outfitted with armored underwear

The U.S. military is taking action to reduce injuries to the pelvic region of American troops. Armored underwear is now standard gear for both men and women in combat roles.

They look and feel like bicycle shorts and have earned the nickname Kevlar boxers. But it's no joke. The pelvic protection system works.

The Army says more than 1,400 troops have lost limbs in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A majority of those who lost legs also suffered injuries to their pelvic areas. But since the new gear has been in use, those injuries have dropped significantly.